SMARTer Kids Foundation accepting applications for innovative learning program

Grade five and six classes from across North America eligible for 2003–2005 Connections program

Calgary, AB --- November 12, 2002 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2003–2005 Connections program, a collaborative learning program for grade five and six classes from across North America. Connections selects eight to ten upper elementary schools each year to participate and equips them with leading-edge technology, provides teacher training and promotes collaborative projects between schools. Teams of grade five and six teachers from schools in Canada and the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by March 14, 2003.

While participating in Connections, students collaborate on projects and communicate with one another via e-mail, bulletin boards and pen pal letters, with a goal of encouraging mutual respect and understanding, regardless of their geographical location. The program culminates in May 2005 with teachers and selected students meeting in Calgary for a week of friendship, adventure and learning. Connections is entering its fifth year, with more than 1,000 children already having participated in this fully funded program.

“The Connections program gives our students the chance to reach out beyond their existing community to learn about and come in contact with the world around them,” says Jay Major, a 2002–2004 Connections teacher from Kingslake Public School in Toronto, Ontario. “Interacting on a North American level shows our students more of their outside world and introduces them to some of the endless technological and social possibilities for their future. Teachers who are trying to think of creative ways to introduce their students to a more global frame of mind should not hesitate to apply to be a part of this wonderful opportunity.”

"The Connections program has already touched the lives of hundreds of children across North America through new friendships, technology and travel," says Candace Beaton, Connections program manager. "The Foundation is excited to welcome a new group of teachers and students to the Connections family."

Program Details
The SMARTer Kids Foundation is offering the Connections program to teams of grade five and grade six teachers and their students for the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 school years. Once the teams are selected, the grade five teacher from each school will visit Calgary, Alberta, in July 2003 to receive training on topics such as integrating technology into the curriculum and using Web-based communication. More importantly, the teachers will work together to plan collaborative projects for the coming year. Upon their return, these teachers will train the other grade five teachers in their schools. The following July, the grade six teacher from each school will also receive training in Calgary and return to lead the other grade six teachers through the 2004–2005 school year of the program. The grade five Connections students will continue to participate in the program when they move to grade six. In the spring of 2005, a select number of grade six students, accompanied by the teacher, will participate in the Calgary Student Visit.

Costs associated with the Calgary Student Visit and the teacher training, including airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and admission to Connections-sponsored activities, are covered by the SMARTer Kids Foundation.

Product Donations
All Connections schools will receive a SMART Board interactive whiteboard 580, Floor Stand 570, SMART Board software and an NEC® VT650 projector. These products will be integrated into the curriculum to support collaborative learning projects. All product donations remain in the schools at the completion of the program so that schools may continue to enhance student learning.

How to Apply
Teams of grades five and six teachers from the same accredited, not-for-profit public and private schools in Canada and the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications are available online at www.smarterkids.org/k12/connections or from the Foundation office at 403.802.2549.

All applications must be received by midnight on March 14, 2003. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 4, 2003. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a participation agreement with the Foundation. Full program details and requirements are available online.

Connections Creed
The Connections Creed captures the values and ideals of this program:

In my life, I can stand alone without being lonely. I can reach out and feel connected to family, friends and teachers. I will surround myself with people who inspire me to be the best person I can be. I am connected to others in many ways, but what matters the most is what is within me and who I choose to be.

###

Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.